What is a bond hearing?

A bond hearing is a legal proceeding where a judge determines whether a defendant should be released on bail while awaiting trial. The purpose of a bond hearing is to assess the risk factors associated with releasing the defendant and to ensure that they will appear for their court dates.

During a bond hearing, the judge will consider various factors such as the defendant's criminal history, flight risk, ties to the community, and the seriousness of the charges. The judge may also take into account any potential threat to public safety if the defendant is released.

If the judge decides to grant bail, they will set a specific amount that the defendant must pay in order to be released. The defendant may be required to adhere to certain conditions while out on bail, such as reporting to a probation officer, staying away from certain individuals or places, or submitting to drug testing.

If the judge denies bail, the defendant will remain in custody until their trial. In some cases, the defendant may request a rehearing to argue for bail again.